Pre-Law

Pre-Law and Political Science

Political science is a very popular major or minor for pre-law students (students who plan to attend law school). Political science provides students with an understanding of the state, national and international institutions that make law, and includes courses such as Constitutional Law I and II, International Law, and American Judicial Politics.

For information on pre-law in general at GVSU, see the GVSU pre-law website.

Pre-Law Advising
Political science professor Mark Richards is a pre-law advisor for GVSU students.
Contact information:
Mark Richards, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Political Science
1106 AuSable Hall
(616) 331-3457
richardm@gvsu.edu
Profile

Pre-Law Advising Guide
Our pre-law advising guide is an excellent starting point for any GVSU student interested in pre-law. 

Pre-Law FAQ
Professor Mark Richards of the Political Science Department maintains the Pre-law FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) site, which is highly recommended for anyone contemplating pre-law. Please visit for more information about pre-law at GVSU, GVSU courses in law, the Law Society student organization, the LSAT, and links to many helpful pre-law resources.

GVSU Pre-law Google Group
All GVSU students interest in pre-law should join the GVSU Pre-law Google group to receive periodic e-mail updates.

1. Sign into your GVSU student e-mail. Make sure you are signed out of any other Google accounts. 

2. Send a message to gvsuprelaw+subscribe@mail.gvsu.edu and leave everything else blank. Delete your signature.

3. Look for a message in your GVSU student e-mail with subject “Join request for gvsuprelaw”

4. Open the “Join request email” and click the blue “Join This Group” button. If adding from a mobile device you may need to click desktop version in the footer.

5. Once your request has been approved, you will receive a message confirming you have been added to the group

6. If you have any problems joining the group you can email Dr. Mark Richards for assistance (richardm@mail.gvsu.edu). You can unsubscribe at any time.

LEAP

Enjoy a new degree of success and distinguish yourself academically and professionally by earning both a bachelor's degree from GVSU Political Science and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Michigan State University College of Law (MSU Law). The Legal Education Admission Program (LEAP) provides an opportunity for GVSU's political science undergraduate students to earn both degrees in about six years of full-time study (three years of political science plus three years of law school). 

Poli Sci Pre-law News

Doran Attending Michigan Law

Doran Attending Michigan Law

PLS Alum Charlotte Doran is attending law school at the University of Michigan.

Sep 15, 2024

Knowles Starting Law School at Michigan

Knowles Starting Law School at Michigan

PLS Alum Haleigh Knowles is attending Michigan Law.

Sep 15, 2024

Christensen Starting Law School at Kentucky

Christensen Starting Law School at Kentucky

PLS alum Hadley Christensen is starting law school at the University of Kentucky.

Sep 14, 2024

Hoffman Heading to Wisconsin Law

Hoffman Heading to Wisconsin Law

PLS alum Isabelle Hoffman is attending Wisconsin Law.

Sep 14, 2024

Dulz Heading to Detroit Mercy Law

Dulz Heading to Detroit Mercy Law

PLS alum Kelsey Dulz is attending Detroit Mercy Law.

Sep 12, 2024

View More Poli Sci Pre-law News

Events

Leading the Way with President Mantella in Traverse City

May 12, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us in Northern Michigan!  President Philomena V. Mantella invites alumni, parents, and friends of Grand Valley State University to a special reception in Traverse City. Enjoy complimentary...

GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2025

May 22, 2025 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for the 5th Annual GVSU Cornhole Tournament! Registration is free! Just pick a teammate and a team name. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate. The...

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Spotlights

Shaun Brodie Spotlight

Shaun Brodie

Shaun Brodie, Senior Staff Attorney for the Benefits Review Board at the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Alan Dunklow Spotlight

Alan Dunklow

Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland

Quinlyn Mork Spotlight

Quinlyn Mork

Studying Abroad in Ghana

Robert Monaghan Spotlight

Robert Monaghan

Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader

Jordan Meagher Spotlight

Jordan Meagher

Parks Planner for Metro Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee

View More Spotlights



Page last modified August 17, 2022